If you are living with pain in your knee, your consultant may recommend a knee arthroscopy to investigate or treat issues within the joint.
What is a knee arthroscopy?
An arthroscopy (also known as keyhole knee surgery) allows your surgeon to see inside your knee by using a thin tube with a camera that is inserted through small incisions in your skin, without the need to fully open the joint.
The consultant should also be able to treat some problems using surgical instruments during the same procedure, such as repairing or removing torn tissue and treating arthritic conditions.
What does a knee arthroscopy involve?
The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. The operation usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Your surgeon will usually make about two to four small incisions around the knee joint. They will place a thin telescope (camera) through one of the incisions so they can examine the joint in detail and place surgical instruments through others if they need to treat any problems with the joint.

How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day. Walking can be uncomfortable and you may need to take painkillers to help relieve your pain. It is also common for your knee to be a little swollen for a few weeks.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible, please ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice before you start exercising.
Are there any alternatives to a knee arthroscopy?
Problems inside a joint can often be diagnosed using tests such as CT and MRI scans. However, you may then need an arthroscopy to treat the problem.
Physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can sometimes prevent or delay the need for an arthroscopy.

Information leaflet
This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
Acknowledgements
Mr Stephen Milner (DM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.))
Medical Illustration Copyright © Medical-Artist.com
Copyright EIDO Systems International © 2000-2021
The operation and treatment information on this webpage is produced using information from EIDO Systems International and is licensed by Horder Healthcare. The information should not replace the advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
Guide price for self-pay patients
Arthroscopic Meniscectomy
Estimated Cost * | |
---|---|
Initial Consultation | from £220 |
Diagnostics | from £85 |
Treatment | from £3,637 |
Estimated total cost from £3,942
Estimated length of stay Day Case
* The guide price is effective from 1st January 2022
What's included
The treatment price includes surgery, a private en-suite room, inpatient physiotherapy when applicable, and follow-up consultation. The initial consultation fee and diagnostics will be charged separately. Our private patients also receive continuity of care up to and including 120 days following surgery.
The guide price is based on the usual clinical needs of patients. The price you pay might be different depending on your medical history and the type of implant you choose or your Consultant advises is best for you. Not all Consultants are signed up to Horder Healthcare’s treatment price, please check prior to your appointment.
Your price quotation will be made clear to you before you proceed with any tests, consultations, or treatment.
Self-pay

As a private patient, you don't have to wait for our outstanding care.
Health insurance

Our services are recognised by most of medical insurance companies.
Payment plans

Spread the cost of your treatment with Horder Healthcare 0% payment plans
The Horder Centre Price Promise
Our prices will always be totally transparent and when you are quoted an all-inclusive procedure price for your operation it will be inclusive of all costs – with no hidden surprises.
If you find an alternative private hospital in your local area offering a better price for the same procedure, sold with the same service conditions, we’ll lower our price* to equal it.
*terms and conditions apply
* Price Promise terms & conditions:
(1) Initial consultation(s), diagnostic scans/tests and investigations required to establish a diagnosis are not part of your procedure price.
(2) Our price promise does not include Private Patient Units at NHS hospitals.
(3) Local area defined as within 15 miles of The Horder Centre hospital.
(4) We will match against personalised, written quotes only.
(5) Quotations must be less than 90 days old.
(6) Patients must meet the clinical criteria for admission to the Horder Centre.
Consultants that perform this procedure
Get referred to The Horder Centre today
The Horder Centre provides the highest quality services to NHS, privately insured and self-pay patients, from initial consultation and diagnostic tests right through to surgical treatment and rehabilitation.
We are rated as a 5* healthcare provider
Read our latest patient reviews on the NHS Choices website.
